This win will last - McGeechan

Ian McGeechan celebrated the British and Irish Lions' 28-9 third Test win against South Africa and told his players: "This victory will last for four years".

The Lions had already lost the series after two nailbiting defeats - but they rallied in emphatic fashion to record a record-equalling victory over the Springboks.

Shane Williams raced in for two tries as the Lions opened a 15-6 half-time lead and the result was sealed with an intercept try from Ugo Monye and 13 points from the boot of Stephen Jones.

The Lions will struggle to escape the feeling of 'what-might-have-been?' - but McGeechan insisted his men can head home with their heads held high.

"This victory will last for four years," said McGeechan.

"It has been a fantastic series, probably one of the outstanding Test series I have been involved in.

"I must say congratulations to the Springboks. They won the series we both wanted.

"But what these players have achieved in just six weeks should not be underestimated. They have played the world champions in their own back yard and given as good as they have got for three Tests.

"There was just a total of eight points difference in the first two Tests. We thought it might be the same in this one but the players came with a real intent and focus and it showed."

Shane Williams rediscovered his form while Jamie Heaslip, Phil Vickery, Martyn Williams, Tommy Bowe and Riki Flutey were all immense.

Bowe was moved off the wing and Flutey given his Lions Test debut after injuries to the centres Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll.

"Maybe it is something to do with the Lions jersey. You do things sometimes you have never been asked to do in any other context," said McGeechan.

"Players that buy into that often find something. Shane was great today. Tommy and Riki stepped in had really good games.

"I thought Phil Vickery was outstanding and the pack brought a real intensity to the game."

And McGeechan reserved special praise for captain Paul O'Connell, whose leadership of the squad helped lift them from the despair of Pretoria to victory at Ellis Park.

"Paul has epitomised what a Lions captain should be. The fact we could still play that way despite having to make so many changes shows how well the whole group have integrated into the whole environment and Paul has led that."

Ireland Women's skipper Niamh Briggs is still relishing her role as skipper in this year's Women's Six Nations, and insists the new blood brought in for the Championship has given her team a new lease of life.